DoD News

News Article

Iraqis Killed Attempting to Drive Through Military Patrol

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2005  Two Iraqi civilians were killed Jan. 18 when the vehicle they were driving tried to speed through a U.S. military patrol near Tal Afar, in northern Iraq.

Six children in the rear seat of the vehicle were unharmed.

In a Multinational Force Iraq news release today, military officials said that soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 14th Calvary Regiment, used hand signals to try to halt the vehicle, but then used force, killing the driver and the front seat passenger.

The statement said the military extends its condolences for the incident, but added that "the military must take appropriate action against possible threats" because of the prevalence of car bombs.

Since Jan. 1 at least five car bombs have targeted Iraqi and multinational security forces during patrols and checkpoints.

Multinational forces had previously warned Iraqi civilians to obey all signals given by military troops and all signs directing them how to react to checkpoints.